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About Us

Welcome to the Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI) at the University of Arizona Health Sciences!

ODI has a mission of increasing the diversity of the health sciences workforce, increasing the knowledge and sensitivity related to social and cultural factors that influence health and healthcare, and to foster a climate of inclusion where all members of UAHS and our partnering communities contribute to our larger goal of increasing excellence and solving health disparities.

ODI hosts a variety of new and experienced programs in support of our mission, they represent a resource to our UAHS students, faculty, staff, community partners, and those who aspire to join UAHS in any capacity.

Additionally, ODI helps support diversity efforts led by the colleges and programs at UAHS and its primary partners, including faculty recruitment and promotion programs, learning support services, wellness and counseling, aspiring health professions student preparation, and community outreach.

Two Centers of Excellence have been elevated to the UAHS level, including the Arizona Hispanic Center of Excellence, and the Center of Excellence for Native Health. Both of these centers have a focus of promoting research, education, and service in direct support of the needs of our partnering communities.

DIVERSITY MISSION

At UAHS we understand that there are multiple pathways to excellence and recognize that diverse environments provide greater opportunities for teaching, learning, and discovery that more homogenous environments do not provide. As a public land-grant institution we have a unique responsibility to serve all people in our state; this includes educating a health workforce that can serve our diverse populations and conducting research that addresses their unique health challenges.

Given these values, we strive to create a climate where engagement, equity, and inclusion are practiced and valued by all. All stakeholders (i.e., learners, faculty, staff, community members and partners) have a shared responsibility to promote diversity as a core commitment and strategic element of our ongoing pursuit of excellence. UAHS will become an exemplary leader in creating an inclusive and welcoming environment wherein everyone can learn, develop, innovate and flourish.